In March 2006 Coeliac Association Malta organised another 2 Day Seminar at The Westin Dragonara Resort St. Julians, with the subject being THE MANY FACES OF COELIAC DISEASE. Prof. Carlo Catassi, Associate Professor of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Italy, and co-Director, Center for Coeliac Research, Maryland, Baltimore, USA, was invited by Coeliac Association Malta to come to Malta to address this seminar.
The first day was directed towards Physicians, Paediatricians, Surgeons, Gynaecologists, Pathologists, and Doctors working in these areas. Prof. Catassi opened the session and spoke about the The Many Faces of Coeliac Disease. Dr. Cecil Vella, Consultant Paediatrician at St. Luke’s Hospital, then gave a review on Increasing age at diagnosis of Coeliac Disease in Children, and the Prevalence of Coeliac Disease in Down’s patients and IDDM. This was followed by a talk The Gluten Free Diet and Beyond, by Mr. Mario Caruana, Registered Dietitian at St. Luke’s Hospital. Dr. Mario Vassallo, Consultant Gastroenterologist facilitated questions and discussions from the floor, while Dr. Christian Scerri (Molecular Genetics) and Medical Advisor to Coeliac Association Malta chaired the session.
Stands displaying a variety of gluten free products that are available on the Island, were set up by representatives of Manufacturing Companies. The evening ended with a complimentary Buffet Dinner at The Terrace Restaurant of The Westin Dragonara Resort.
The second day had the same program and same speakers as the first day and was directed towards Coeliacs, their families and anyone interested in Coeliac Disease. The session ended with question time and a mini gluten free buffet sponsored by Dr. Schar, was served in the Conference foyer, while those present could view the various stands with a variety of gluten free products, set up by representative of various Manufacturing Companies.